Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Reverse Zebra Pickup
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- Brand new in original box
- Full Seymour Duncan manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- 11102-17-RZ
Description
Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Reverse Zebra Pickup
The SH-5 Duncan Custom is a high-output bridge humbucker built for aggressive players and heavy gain rigs. Its wax-potted construction keeps noise floor clean even under extreme amplification, making it a trusted choice for metal, hard rock, and modern styles that demand articulate attack and controlled sustain on stage.
Tone & Output Character
This pickup delivers high output with a 14.1K ohms DCR that balances aggressive response with note definition across all strings. The ceramic magnet provides the brightness and snap you need to cut through dense mixes, while wax-potting eliminates microphonic feedback under high-gain conditions.
Construction & Compatibility
Built as a standard 6-string humbucker with 4-conductor wiring for flexible coil-splitting or series/parallel wiring schemes. The 49mm string spacing and uncovered design fit standard bridge routes, and its Reverse Zebra finish adds visual distinction while maintaining full electromagnetic performance for live reliability.
Key Features
- High-output ceramic magnet humbucker
- 14.1K ohms DCR for aggressive, defined tone
- 4-conductor wiring enables coil-splitting and series/parallel configuration
- 49mm string spacing for standard bridge routes
- Wax-potted construction for silent operation under high gain
- Bridge position orientation
- Reverse Zebra finish (uncovered coils)
- Dimensions: 2.695″ × 1.438″ × 0.776″
- Made by Seymour Duncan in the USA
- 6-string humbucker design
The SH-5 Duncan Custom remains a proven choice for bridge placement in guitars demanding uncompromising output, clarity, and noise rejection for touring and recording.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom is a high-output bridge humbucker built for metal, hard rock, and djent styles, delivering aggressive attack, articulate note definition, and tight low end with zero microphonic feedback under extreme gain. Its 14.1K DCR ceramic magnet and wax-potted construction cut through dense mixes with bright snap while maintaining controlled sustain across all strings. Perfect for intermediate to professional players running heavy rigs who need uncompromising clarity and road-ready noise rejection.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is the SH-5 Duncan Custom best suited for?
The SH-5 excels in metal, hard rock, djent, and progressive styles where high output, aggressive response, and articulate attack are essential. It is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk applications where its aggressive character would be a mismatch.
Does this pickup work with coil-splitting or other wiring options?
Yes, the SH-5 comes with 4-conductor wiring that supports coil-splitting, series/parallel switching, and other flexible wiring schemes. This allows you to dial in tonal variations beyond its standard bridge-position character.
Will this pickup fit my guitar, and how does its output level compare to other high-gain pickups?
The SH-5 is a standard 6-string humbucker with 49mm string spacing and fits standard bridge routes without modification. Its 14.1K ohms DCR places it in the high-output range alongside popular alternatives like the EMG 81/85 and Seymour Duncan JB, but with emphasis on ceramic brightness and articulate sustain.
Why is the wax-potted construction important for high-gain playing?
Wax-potting eliminates microphonic feedback—the unwanted noise that occurs when magnetic fields resonate under extreme amplification. This keeps your noise floor clean and silent even with heavy distortion or high-gain rigs.
What does the Reverse Zebra finish mean, and does it affect the pickup's sound?
Reverse Zebra is a visual distinction showing the uncovered coil design (no cover plate), adding aesthetic appeal to bridge-position visibility. The finish does not affect electromagnetic performance—tone and output remain identical to covered versions.
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